Mark 4:21-34 How can you tell is someone is growing spiritually? We can’t measure spiritual growth in a CAT scan, or with a blood test. And spiritual growth can’t always be seen in the present moment. Sometimes it takes time to notice the changes. Do you know if you are growing? Jesus pulledContinue reading “Nature of Spiritual Growth”
Tag Archives: Discipline
Rebuke
Proverbs 17:10 What does it take to get you to listen? For some, it just takes a simple request. For others it takes a baseball bat and a loudspeaker. I want to think that a simple request gets my attention, but I am not sure sometimes. Our proverb tells us that the harshestContinue reading “Rebuke”
To Spank or Not to Spank
Proverbs 13:24 This is one of the Bible’s most abused verses, both by some in the church and by those who attack the Bible as an outdated and oppressive book. But this verse is about the need for discipline, not the method of discipline. Let me say that again. It is about the NEED forContinue reading “To Spank or Not to Spank”
Which Battles?
Proverbs 13:1 As a rebellious kid, listening to my parents was not optional. And if you are a good parent, it won’t be optional for your kids. About the only option was punished now, or punished now and later. I don’t want to give the impression that my parents were bad parents. I think theyContinue reading “Which Battles?”
Rooted by Him
Proverbs 12:1-3 There are very few people who like to be on the receiving end of discipline. We like it when others are disciplined, especially if their discipline makes our life easier. We point the finger at others when they are doing wrong, and try to protect ourselves when we are doing wrong. But disciplineContinue reading “Rooted by Him”
Ruin’s Invitation
Proverbs 10:13-14 These two verses give us a simple picture of the results of wisdom and folly. We can take them together because there is a parallel between the first and forth lines, and the middle two lines. The outside lines deal with what each says, and the middle lines deal with what each gains.Continue reading “Ruin’s Invitation”
Discipline Is NOT A Dirty Word
Proverbs 3:11-12 Discipline has gotten a really bad rap lately. That is because discipline impedes my ability to be “free”, to do whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want, to whomever I want. We admire the results of discipline in our sports teams, but then we revel in their undisciplined lifestyles off theContinue reading “Discipline Is NOT A Dirty Word”
The Arnold Journey 